“No, Raihana, take an oath on Tatum.”
“Mom... you’re asking for an oath, what is going on?”
“You won’t know until you take the oath,” I said pointedly. She rolled her eyes as Chris smirked.
“I take an oath on Ri. You have my word; I won’t repeat anything to anyone,” he said, placing a hand on his heart.
“I swear on Tatum’s life,” Raihana said, shaking her head. “Happy?”
“Yes,” I said quietly, looking at my son-in-law.I will need him to be here for Raihana…
“Mom? Hello? You can tell us; you are acting really weird.” She felt my forehead again, looking confused.Here it goes.
Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes for a moment, giving Raihana’s hand a gentle squeeze.
“It’s about the upcoming battle,” I said softly.
“Oh, Mom, I wish you didn’t have to go. Don’t worry, you will be okay. Uncle Al won’t let anything happen to you,” Raihana said, smiling at me. I nodded.
“I know he won’t, but… there is a price to pay for taking a demon’s life,” I began, my heart thundering as Raihana’s smile vanished, replaced with a frown. “A life. The one who stabs him with the dagger will die.”
“Shit! Is Uncle planning-”
“I said, hear me out, Ya Habibti!” I scolded as Chris stood there, watching me sharply with his piercing eyes.
“Okay, but Uncle can’t-”
“He was planning to, but the kids are still so young, Kiara is so young, they have their entire life ahead,” I explained, and Raihana nodded. “And, well… I want to return to him,” I finished softly, and for the first time, I looked into her eyes. She frowned, trying to understand before her eyes widened. Her heart thundered as she stared at me, realisation burning in her brown orbs.
“Fuck,” Chris muttered.
Her eyes began filling with tears, and I knew I needed to say what I had to before I couldn’t hold myself together any longer.
“Every day that passes feels like a burden upon my soul. Life is… empty.” I felt guilty. I was their mother. I was meant to continue going for them. “I’m sorry. I know you must think I’m such a coward for leaving all of you. I truly miss him.” She shook her head, her lips trembling as she squeezed my hand tightly. “You and Rayhan have your lives before you, your mates, your children, and I think I can leave you now.” I cupped her face as herlip quivered, and, for a moment, it felt like a fifteen-year-old Raihana was before me. “May I return to my mate?” Those were the words that broke the dam on her tears, and she lowered her head.
“You will leave us? What about our little baby? He or she will never get to meet you,” she whispered, placing her free hand on her stomach. “My children won’t have any grandparents.”
“I know, Ya Habibti, but Alejandro cannot do this or anyone else. It isn’t fair. I want to go… and this is my chance. You will never be alone. You will have Alejandro, Kiara, Delsanra, Rayhan-”
“Does Rayhan know?” she asked, brushing her tears away angrily.
“No, and I don’t plan to tell him. I am leaving a small video for him and for Kiara,” I said softly, brushing her tears away as she shook her head.
“Goddess, there has to be another way!” She cried in frustration.
“Baby,” Chris said as she stood up. He pulled her into his arms forcefully. “She said she’s tired.”
“She can’t go!” Raihana snapped, despite the tears running down her cheeks. “No!”
Her loud shout disturbed Tatum. I stood up as he started crying and took him from the cot. My own tears threatened to fall as I hugged him tightly, and I turned away.I will not show my weakness…
“Please, Raihana. Living without your mate is like living when your inside is empty.”
“And what of us? Don’t we make you happy? Come live with us if you feel alone at home! Please, Mom, don’t do this!” She sobbed. She came over, grabbing my shoulders as I rocked the child in my arms.
“You all do, but I cannot explain it… tell me, Raihana, can you imagine life without Chris?” I asked quietly. She looked over my shoulder, her eyes filling with pain. “A life where your other half is gone? Waking every day with the absence of his smile, touch, and presence? Everywhere I walk, I see memories that we once shared… I need him, Raihana. Please don’t make this harder for me. Let me go.”
“Mom…” She hugged me, the little prince between us staring up at us as he watched us curiously. Our foreheads were pressed together, and a few tears escaped me despite my greatest effort, making Tatum giggle as he clapped, staring up at us.
